The International Labour Organization (ILO) has just released a strategic report on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market in Southeast Asia. Based on recent data, an estimated 80 million workers, equivalent to 22.9 percent of the total workforce in ASEAN, are expected to receive significant operational support from the integration of AI technology into their daily tasks.
Despite global concerns over automation, the ILO emphasized that there is no strong indication yet that AI will trigger mass layoffs in the region. The majority of job sectors, around 67 percent, are actually predicted to remain unexposed directly to this technological disruption. Meanwhile, only about 3.3 percent, or 11.7 million jobs, fall into the high-exposure category, such as the financial sector and multimedia development.
Singapore recorded the highest AI exposure rate in ASEAN, reaching 42.2 percent, followed by the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The nation is considered the most prepared to adapt, thanks to its robust digital infrastructure and competitive human resources support. Although individual work efficiency has increased, the ILO notes that overall macro productivity and employment conditions have not yet shown drastic changes due to the use of generative AI.
The ILO stresses the crucial role of governments in formulating human-centered policies. The future transformation of the job market depends not only on the degree of technology exposure received, but also on how national policies build the resilience and readiness of workers and businesses to navigate the accelerating digital transition.
